Input device for vehicle and input method

ABSTRACT

An input device for a vehicle that performs input for operating a user interface (UI) displayed by a display disposed in a vehicle includes: a touch sensor that receives a touch input by a user; and a controller that selects, when the touch input into the touch sensor is a touch with a plurality of fingers or a plurality of taps, a region corresponding to the count of touches with the fingers or the count of taps, from among a plurality of regions displayed by the display.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a U.S. national stage application of the PCTInternational Application No. PCT/JP2017/044294 filed on Dec. 11, 2017,which claims the benefit of foreign priority of Japanese patentapplication No. 2016-244509 filed on Dec. 16, 2016, the contents all ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an input device for a vehicle forperforming input for operating a user interface (UI) displayed by adisplay disposed in the vehicle, and an input method of the inputdevice.

BACKGROUND ART

Conventionally, it is disclosed, when an image on a display is dividedinto a plurality of images and displayed, based on positions of aplurality of fingers detected on a touch panel as an input device, thata right screen is determined as an operation target screen if thepositions are on the right side, and that a left screen is determined ifthe positions are on the left side (for example, refer to PTL 1).

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

-   PTL 1: WO 2015/004848

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an input device that can inhibitrecognition of an unintended input into the UI displayed on the displayeven when a user is doing other work.

An input device for a vehicle according to one aspect of the presentinvention is an input device for a vehicle that performs input foroperating a user interface (UI) displayed by a display disposed in thevehicle, and includes a touch sensor and a controller. The touch sensorreceives a touch input performed with a finger of a user. The controllerselects, when the touch input into the touch sensor is a touch in whicha plurality of fingers is in contact with the touch sensorsimultaneously or a tap in which at least one finger repeats a pluralityof contacts with the touch sensor within a predetermined time, a regioncorresponding to a count of contacts of the touch or a count of contactsof the tap from among a plurality of regions constituting a displayregion of the display.

Note that these comprehensive or specific aspects may be implemented bya system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a(non-transitory) recording medium such as a computer readable compactdisc read-only memory (CD-ROM), or may be implemented by any combinationof the system, the method, the integrated circuit, the computer program,and the recording medium.

The input device of the present invention can inhibit recognition of anunintended input into the UI displayed on the display even when the useris doing other work.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view showing an example of a configuration of an inputdevice and a cabin of a vehicle in which the input device is disposedaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of a first input unit viewed froma front in a traveling direction of the vehicle.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a functionalconfiguration of the input device mounted in an automobile according tothe exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of a first display screen displayedon a display.

FIG. 5 is a view showing an example of a screen including a highlightedgesture guide.

FIG. 6 is a view showing another example of the screen including thehighlighted gesture guide.

FIG. 7 is a view showing an example of an operation guide screen foradjusting heating and cooling temperature setting.

FIG. 8 is a view showing an example of an operation guide screen forselecting a song title of a music player.

FIG. 9 is a view showing an example of an operation guide screen forsetting going home in car navigation.

FIG. 10 is a view showing an example of a status screen in the carnavigation.

FIG. 11 is a view showing an example of an operation guide screen foradjusting air volume setting of an air conditioner.

FIG. 12 is a view showing an example of an operation screen foroperating the music player.

FIG. 13 is a view showing an example of an operation screen foroperating the air conditioner.

FIG. 14 is a view showing an example of a home screen.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing active processing in the input deviceaccording to the exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing highlight processing in the input deviceaccording to the exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing gesture input determination processing inthe input device according to the exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing switching processing in the input deviceaccording to the exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing details of processing to switch to theoperation guide screen in the input device according to the exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing details of processing to switch to theoperation screen in the input device according to the exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 21 is a view showing an example of a configuration of an inputdevice and a cabin of a vehicle in which the input device is disposedaccording to a modification.

FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing an example of a functionalconfiguration of the input device mounted in an automobile according tothe modification.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT

Prior to describing an exemplary embodiment of the present invention,problems of a conventional device and method will be described briefly.According to the technique of PTL 1, during driving of a vehicle, a userdrives the vehicle while carefully watching forward. Therefore, it isdifficult for the user to be conscious of a position of a finger withrespect to a touch panel during driving, and there is a risk oferroneously selecting an UI displayed on the touch panel.

An input device according to one aspect of the present invention is aninput device for a vehicle for performing input for operating a userinterface (UI) displayed by a display disposed in the vehicle. The inputdevice includes: a touch sensor that receives a touch input performedwith a finger of a user; and a controller that selects, when the touchinput into the touch sensor is a touch in which a plurality of thefingers is in contact with the touch sensor simultaneously or a tap inwhich at least one finger repeats a plurality of contacts with the touchsensor within a predetermined time, a region corresponding to a count ofcontacts of the touch or a count of contacts of the tap from among aplurality of regions constituting a display region of the display.

Accordingly, since the controller selects the region corresponding tothe count of fingers or the count of taps from among the plurality ofregions constituting the display region of the display, the controllercan accurately select the intended region without being conscious ofpositions of the fingers with respect to the touch sensor while the useris driving. This makes it possible to inhibit recognition of anunintended input into the UI displayed by the display even when the useris doing other work.

Also, when the touch input that is input into the touch sensor is thetouch or the tap, the controller may display a gesture guide associatinga type of gesture that is input into the touch sensor thereafter with anicon indicating a screen to be displayed according to the type ofgesture in the selected region of the display.

This makes it possible to indicate to the user that the gesture guide isactive, and to allow the user to recognize the screen to be displayed bythe display by the gesture to input thereafter before the screen isdisplayed. Therefore, the user can appropriately select the gestureinput for displaying a desired screen, and can easily display thedesired screen.

Also, when the touch input into the touch sensor is a first gestureinput by the touch or a second gesture input after the tap, thecontroller may perform switching processing to switch from a firstdisplay screen displayed by the display to a second display screendifferent from the first display screen and to cause the display toperform display.

Accordingly, the controller, which performs the switching processing bythe first gesture input using a plurality of fingers or the secondgesture input after a plurality of taps, can inhibit recognition of anunintended input.

Also, the touch sensor may include a first touch sensor that is disposedat a position within a range where a hand of the user almost reacheswhile the user aboard the vehicle is seated on a seat of the vehicle,the position excluding a steering wheel of the vehicle, and when thetouch input into the first touch sensor is the first gesture input, thecontroller may perform the switching processing.

This allows the user to easily perform the first gesture input into thefirst touch sensor.

Also, when the count of contacts of the touch of the first gesture inputthat is input into the first touch sensor is the count of contacts of afirst touch, the controller may cause the display to display anoperation guide screen indicating an operation for adjusting a settingto a vehicle-mounted device included in the vehicle as the seconddisplay screen.

This allows the display to easily display the operation guide screen.

Also, a dial switch that is disposed adjacent to the first touch sensorand receives dial input may be further included. The controller maycause the display to display a screen indicating the setting to thevehicle-mounted device adjusted by operating the dial switch as theoperation guide screen.

This allows the display to easily display the operation guide screen ofthe dial switch.

Also, the controller may switch a type of the operation indicated on theoperation guide screen according to the type of the gesture of the firstgesture input that is input into the first touch sensor, and thecontroller may switch a type of the setting adjusted by operating thedial switch.

This makes it possible to easily switch the function of the dial switch.

Also, the controller may receive an input tracing the touch sensor in apredetermined direction out of the first gesture input by the touch ofthe count of contacts of the first touch, and

according to the predetermined direction indicated by the received firstgesture input, the controller may switch the type of the operationindicated on the operation guide screen, and switch the type of thesetting adjusted by operating the dial switch.

This allows the display to easily display the desired operation guidescreen among the plurality of operation guide screens.

Also, when the count of contacts of the touch of the first gesture inputthat is input into the first touch sensor is a count of contacts of asecond touch different from the count of contacts of the first touch,the controller may cause the display to display an operation screen forreceiving the operation by the user to the vehicle-mounted device as thesecond display screen.

This allows the display to easily display the operation screen.

Also, the controller may receive an input tracing the touch sensor inthe predetermined direction or in an opposite direction of thepredetermined direction, out of the first gesture input by the touch ofthe count of contacts of the second touch,

when the received first gesture input is the predetermined direction,the controller may switch a plurality of types of the operation screenin preset order, and

when the received first gesture input is the opposite direction, thecontroller may switch the plurality of types of the operation screen inorder opposite to the order.

This allows the display to easily display the desired operation screenamong the plurality of operation screens.

Also, the touch sensor may include a second touch sensor disposed in thesteering wheel of the vehicle, and when the touch input into the secondtouch sensor is the second gesture input, the controller may perform theswitching processing.

This allows the user to easily perform the second gesture input into thesecond touch sensor disposed in the steering wheel. This makes itpossible to inhibit recognition of an unintended input even when theuser is driving.

Note that these comprehensive or specific aspects may be implemented bya system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or arecording medium such as a computer readable CD-ROM, or may beimplemented by any combination of the system, the method, the integratedcircuit, the computer program, and the recording medium.

Hereinafter, an input device and an input method according to one aspectof the present invention will be specifically described with referenceto the drawings.

Note that each of the following exemplary embodiments illustrates onespecific example of the present invention. Numerical values, shapes,materials, constituent elements, arrangement positions and connectionmodes of the constituent elements, steps, and an order of the steps thatare illustrated in the following exemplary embodiment are each exampleand therefore are not intended to limit the present invention.Furthermore, among the constituent elements in the following exemplaryembodiments, the constituent elements not recited in the independentclaims indicating the broadest concept are described as optionalconstituent elements.

Exemplary Embodiment

[1-1. Configuration of Input Device]

First, with reference to FIG. 1, a configuration of an input device anda cabin of a vehicle in which the input device is disposed according tothe exemplary embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a view showing anexample of a configuration of an input device and a cabin of a vehiclein which the input device is disposed according to the exemplaryembodiment. Note that in the following description, a forward direction,a rearward direction, a rightward direction, and a leftward directionare defined based on a traveling direction of the vehicle. Also, in astate where wheels of the vehicle are attached to the ground, an upwarddirection, a downward direction, a horizontal direction, and a verticaldirection are defined.

First input unit 10 constituting the input device and vehicle-mounteddevice 30 are mounted in the cabin of automobile 1 (an example of thevehicle) shown in FIG. 1. In addition, shift lever 40 and steering wheel50 are further disposed in the cabin of automobile 1. Here, the inputdevice is a device that performs input for operating a user interface(UI) displayed by display 31 of vehicle-mounted device 30 mounted on thevehicle such as automobile 1.

First input unit 10 is an input interface for operating the UI displayedon display 31 of vehicle-mounted device 30. By operating the UI, a usercan control vehicle-mounted device 30 mounted on automobile 1.

First input unit 10 is disposed rearward of shift lever 40. That is,first input unit 10 is disposed at a position within a range where auser's hand almost reaches while the user aboard automobile 1 is seatedon seat 60, the position excluding steering wheel 50. A driver, who isthe user, can operate vehicle-mounted device 30 by performing input intofirst input unit 10 disposed rearward of shift lever 40 with a lefthand. Note that first input unit 10 may not be disposed at the aboveposition as long as first input unit 10 is disposed at the positionwithin a range where the user's hand almost reaches, the positionexcluding steering wheel 50. Note that FIG. 1 illustrates an automobilewith a right-hand steering wheel, but this applies to an automobile witha left-hand steering wheel because only right and left hand becomeopposite for the automobile with the left-hand steering wheel. In somecases, not only the user seated in a driver seat but also a user seatedin a passenger seat can perform the operation.

Steering wheel 50 is for steering automobile 1. Steering wheel 50includes: rim 51 having a ring shape; spoke 52 having an approximatelyT-shape and integrally formed on an inner peripheral surface of rim 51;and horn switch cover 53 covering a horn switch (not shown) disposed ata central part of spoke 52. A configuration of first input unit 10 willbe described in detail later.

Vehicle-mounted device 30 is, for example, a car navigation system, anaudio device for playing back an optical disk, a video playback device,and the like. Vehicle-mounted device 30 includes display 31. Display 31displays information such as a map for performing car navigation, aplayed back video, the UI for operating vehicle-mounted device 30, andthe UI for controlling other vehicle-mounted devices. Display 31 isimplemented by, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organicelectro luminescence (EL) display. Vehicle-mounted device 30 may beconnected to speaker 32 and output a sound to speaker 32. Furthermore,the other vehicle-mounted devices may include, for example, an airconditioner, and a configuration may be provided such that an operationof the air conditioner is controlled by an input into the input device.

Next, a hardware configuration of first input unit 10 will be describedwith reference to FIG. 2.

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the first input unit viewedfrom a front of a traveling direction of the vehicle.

First input unit 10 includes first touch sensor 11. First input unit 10may further include dial switch 12, determination switch 13, palm rest14, first switch 15 a, second switch 15 b, and third switch 15 c.

First touch sensor 11 is a sensor that receives a touch input by theuser, and is, for example, a touch pad. That is, first touch sensor 11is a sensor that detects a position touched by part of user's body (forexample, a finger). The touch with a plurality of fingers means that theplurality of fingers performs contacts with the touch sensor within thesame time. At least a plurality of contacts with the touch sensor isrequired even if the contacts are contacts with the touch sensor for ashort time, contacts for a long time such as pressing and holding, andtracing contacts. Part of a body other than fingers may be recognized.Moreover, to discriminate between a touch pen and a finger, it may bedetermined that a contact with a predetermined area or more is a fingertouch. In the present exemplary embodiment, first touch sensor 11 isdisposed in parallel with a horizontal direction.

Note that the first touch sensor may be disposed in parallel with avertical direction. In this case, the first touch sensor may be disposedso as to face rearward, for example.

Dial switch 12 is a dial switch that is disposed rearward of first touchsensor 11 and rotates about a rotation axis extending along a verticaldirection. That is, dial switch 12 is a dial switch that is disposedadjacent to the first touch sensor and receives dial input. Dial switch12 has a substantially cylindrical shape protruding above an uppersurface of first touch sensor 11. Dial switch 12 is configured to rotateby a predetermined angle unit. That is, the user can easily performstep-by-step adjustment by turning dial switch 12. Note that dial switch12 does not need to be disposed rearward of first touch sensor 11, andmay be disposed forward of, on a right side of, or on a left side offirst touch sensor 11.

Determination switch 13 is a pressing switch disposed on dial switch 12.

Palm rest 14 is a structure on which to place a user's palm when theuser performs input into first touch sensor 11, dial switch 12,determination switch 13, first switch 15 a, second switch 15 b, andthird switch 15 c included in first input unit 10. Specifically, palmrest 14 is an upwardly protruding arch-shaped structure covering anupper portion of dial switch 12 with left and right side surfaces ofdial switch 12 being exposed. Palm rest 14 has an opening provided abovedial switch 12 and is configured to allow determination switch 13 to bepushed through the opening. Palm rest 14 serves as a guide fordetermining a position of a finger such that the user can bring thefinger into contact with the touch sensor without visually recognizingthe touch sensor. The guide may be anything that can be recognizedthrough touching with a hand even if the guide is not the palm rest.

First switch 15 a, second switch 15 b, and third switch 15 c arepressing switches arranged side by side in a left-right direction on afront side surface of palm rest 14.

The user can operate the UI displayed on display 31 of vehicle-mounteddevice 30 by performing input into the touch sensor or various switchesincluded in first input unit 10.

[1-2. Functional Configuration of Input Device]

Next, a functional configuration of the input device will be described.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functionalconfiguration of the input device mounted in an automobile according tothe exemplary embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 3, input device 100 includes first input unit 10 andcontroller 16.

First input unit 10 includes first touch sensor 11, dial switch 12,determination switch 13, first switch 15 a, second switch 15 b, andthird switch 15 c. When input is performed into first touch sensor 11,dial switch 12, determination switch 13, first switch 15 a, secondswitch 15 b, or third switch 15 c, an input signal indicating the inputis output to controller 16.

In response to the input signal output from first input unit 10,controller 16 transmits a control signal for controlling vehicle-mounteddevice 30. Specifically, when the touch input into first touch sensor 11is a touch with a plurality of fingers or a plurality of taps,controller 16 selects a region corresponding to the count of fingers orthe count of taps from among a plurality of regions constituting adisplay region of display 31 of vehicle-mounted device 30, first regionR1 to third region R3 (see FIG. 4, for example). Then, when the touchinput into first touch sensor 11 is a first gesture input with theplurality of fingers or a second gesture input after the plurality oftaps, controller 16 performs switching processing to switch from a firstdisplay screen displayed by display 31 to a second display screendifferent from the first display screen and to cause display 31 todisplay the second display screen. The plurality of taps means that atleast one finger repeats a plurality of contacts with the touch sensorwithin a predetermined time. Part of a body other than the fingers maybe recognized.

For example, as shown in FIG. 4, controller 16 causes display 31 ofvehicle-mounted device 30 to display the first display screen. FIG. 4 isa view showing an example of the first display screen displayed on thedisplay.

As shown in FIG. 4, controller 16 causes display 31 of vehicle-mounteddevice 30 to display screen 200 including first gesture guide 210,second gesture guide 220, and operation screen 230. Note that in thirdregion R3 of display 31 in which operation screen 230 is displayed inFIG. 4, in response to the input into first input unit 10 by the user,controller 16 displays another operation screen different from operationscreen 230 or an operation guide screen.

First gesture guide 210 is displayed on first region R1 on a left sideamong a plurality of (here, three) regions constituting the displayregion of display 31, first region R1 to third region R3. First gestureguide 210 includes a plurality of types of gestures 211 to 214 with afirst count of fingers, and icons 215 to 218 respectively associatedwith the plurality of types of gestures 211 to 214 and indicating typesof operation guide screen to be displayed next as the second displayscreen when the input of the associated type of gesture is performed.The plurality of types of gestures 211 to 214 indicates inputs thattrace first touch sensor 11 with the first count of fingers in apredetermined direction. The first count is, for example, two.

Specifically, gesture 211 indicates an input tracing first touch sensor11 with two fingers in a forward direction. Gesture 212 indicates aninput tracing first touch sensor 11 with two fingers in a rightwarddirection. Gesture 213 indicates an input tracing first touch sensor 11with two fingers in a rearward direction. Gesture 214 indicates an inputtracing first touch sensor 11 with two fingers in a leftward direction.

Note that when the first touch sensor is disposed in parallel with avertical direction so as to face rearward, gesture 211 indicates aninput tracing first touch sensor 11 with two fingers in an upwarddirection, and gesture 213 indicates an input tracing first touch sensor11 with two fingers in a downward direction.

Meanwhile, icon 215 is an icon associated with gesture 211 andindicating display, on display 31, of an operation guide screen foradjusting heating and cooling temperature setting of the air conditionerfor heating, cooling, and ventilating automobile 1 when a gesture inputindicated by gesture 211 is performed.

Icon 216 is an icon associated with gesture 212 and indicating display,on display 31, of an operation guide screen for selecting a song titleof a music player when a gesture input indicated by gesture 212 isperformed.

Icon 217 is an icon associated with gesture 213 and indicating display,on display 31, of an operation guide screen for setting going home inthe car navigation when a gesture input indicated by gesture 213 isperformed.

Icon 218 is an icon associated with gesture 214 and indicating display,on display 31, of an operation guide screen for adjusting air volumesetting of the air conditioner of automobile 1 when a gesture inputindicated by gesture 214 is performed.

Second gesture guide 220 is displayed on second region R2, which is aright neighbor to first region R1, among three regions constituting thedisplay region of display 31, first region R1 to third region R3. Secondgesture guide 220 includes a plurality of types of gestures 221, 222with a second count (for example, three), and ions 223 to 225respectively associated with the plurality of types of gestures 221, 222and indicating types of operation screens to be displayed next as thesecond display screen when an input of the associated type of gesture isperformed. Also, second gesture guide 220 may include focus display 226.Focus display 226 indicates that the operation screen corresponding toan icon on which focus display 226 is currently focused is the operationscreen displayed on third region R3 on a right side among the threeregions constituting the display region of display 31, first region R1to third region R3. The plurality of types of gestures 221, 222indicates the input tracing first touch sensor 11 with the second countof fingers in a predetermined direction or in an opposite direction ofthe predetermined direction. The second count is, for example, three.

Specifically, gesture 221 indicates an input tracing first touch sensor11 with three fingers in a forward direction. Gesture 222 indicates aninput tracing first touch sensor 11 with three fingers in a rearwarddirection. Note that in this case, gestures 221, 222 are inputs tracingin forward and rearward directions, respectively, but may be inputstracing in left and right directions, respectively.

Note that when the first touch sensor is disposed in parallel with avertical direction so as to face rearward, gesture 221 indicates aninput tracing first touch sensor 11 with three fingers in an upwarddirection, and gesture 222 indicates an input tracing first touch sensor11 with three fingers in a downward direction.

Meanwhile, icons 223 to 225 indicate operation screens to be displayedin third region R3 when selected. That is, controller 16 displays, inthird region R3, the operation screen indicated by the icon focused byfocus display 226. Also, icons 223 to 225 are arranged in preset orderfor displaying a plurality of types of operation screens.

Icon 223 is an icon indicating that, when focused by focus display 226,the operation screen for receiving an operation by the user to the musicplayer is displayed in third region R3.

Icon 224 is an icon indicating that, when focused by focus display 226(that is, in a case of FIG. 4), operation screen 230 for receiving anoperation by the user to the car navigation is displayed in third regionR3.

Icon 225 is an icon indicating that, when focused by focus display 226,the operation screen for receiving an operation by the user to the airconditioner is displayed in third region R3.

Note that the above description has been made assuming that the firstcount is two and the second count is three. However, as long as thefirst count and the second count are both two or more and different fromeach other, the first count and the second count are not limited to theabove combination. That is, the first count and the second count may bea combination of three and two, a combination of two and four, acombination of four and two, or the like. Of course, the first count andthe second count may be a combination in which one of the first countand the second count is five.

Operation screen 230 is displayed in third region R3. Operation screen230 in FIG. 4 is a screen for receiving an operation by the user to thecar navigation. Note that as described above, either the operationscreen or the operation guide screen corresponding to the type ofgesture input into first touch sensor 11 is displayed in third regionR3.

Returning to the description of controller 16 in FIG. 3, activeprocessing for active display of first gesture guide 210 and secondgesture guide 220 will be described.

When the touch input that is input into first touch sensor 11 is a touchwith a plurality of fingers, controller 16 may highlight first gestureguide 210 or second gesture guide 220 in display 31.

Specifically, when the touch input that is input into first touch sensor11 is a touch with two fingers, controller 16 selects first region R1corresponding to the touch with two fingers. At this time, as shown inFIG. 5, controller 16 may cause display 31 to display screen 200Aincluding first gesture guide 210A highlighted by displaying frame 219along an outer periphery of selected first region R1. This makes itpossible to indicate to the user that the gesture indicated by firstgesture guide 210A is active, and to allow the user to recognize theoperation guide screen to be displayed in third region R3 by the gesturethat is input thereafter.

Also, when the touch input that is input into first touch sensor 11 is atouch with three fingers, controller 16 selects second region R2corresponding to the touch with three fingers. At this time, as shown inFIG. 6, controller 16 may cause display 31 to display screen 200Bincluding second gesture guide 220B highlighted by displaying frame 227along an outer periphery of selected second region R2. This makes itpossible to indicate to the user that the gesture indicated by secondgesture guide 220B is active, and to allow the user to recognize theoperation screen to be displayed in third region R3 by the gesture thatis input thereafter.

Note that when the touch that is input into first touch sensor 11 with aplurality of fingers is not performed (that is, the touch input isturned off), controller 16 may restore, after a predetermined timeelapses, first gesture guide 210A or second gesture guide 220B that hasbeen highlighted to an original state. That is, in this case, controller16 deactivates first gesture guide 210A or second gesture guide 220Bthat has been activated, and displays first gesture guide 210 or secondgesture guide 220, respectively.

Next, processing of controller 16 when the gesture input is performedinto first touch sensor 11 with the first count (two in the presentexemplary embodiment) of fingers will be described.

When the count of fingers of the gesture input that is input into firsttouch sensor 11 is the first count, controller 16 may cause display 31to display an operation guide screen indicating an operation foradjusting the setting to vehicle-mounted device 30 included inautomobile 1 as the second display screen. Specifically, controller 16may cause display 31 to display, as the operation guide screen, a screenindicating the setting to vehicle-mounted device 30 adjusted byoperating dial switch 12. Controller 16 may switch to the operationguide screen of the type corresponding to the type of gesture of thegesture input that is input into first touch sensor 11 and switch thetype of setting to be adjusted by operating dial switch 12.

Specific examples of the gesture input with two fingers and theoperation guide screens that are switched by the gesture input will bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 7 to 11.

FIG. 7 is a view showing an example of the operation guide screen foradjusting the heating and cooling temperature setting. FIG. 8 is a viewshowing an example of the operation guide screen for selecting a songtitle of the music player. FIG. 9 is a view showing an example of theoperation guide screen for setting going home in the car navigation.FIG. 10 is a view showing an example of a status screen in the carnavigation. FIG. 11 is a view showing an example of the operation guidescreen for adjusting air volume setting of the air conditioner.

When gesture 211 to 214 with two fingers is input into first touchsensor 11, controller 16 displays first operation guide screen 231 tofourth operation guide screen 234, respectively, through superimpositionon operation screen 230 displayed in third region R3 of display 31. Notethat in this case, controller 16 does not need to display firstoperation guide screen 231 to fourth operation guide screen 234 throughsuperimposition on operation screen 230, and controller 16 may displayfirst operation guide screen 231 to fourth operation guide screen 234instead of operation screen 230. That is, when the touch input intofirst touch sensor 11 is the gesture input with two fingers, controller16 performs switching processing to switch from display screen 200displayed on display 31 to display screens 200C to 200G and causesdisplay 31 to display screens 200C to 200G. Note that in the followingdescription, processing to call first operation guide screen 231 tofourth operation guide screen 234 by performing superimposition displayis also defined as the switching processing.

Also, when controller 16 receives the input tracing first touch sensor11 in a predetermined direction out of the gesture input with the firstcount of fingers, controller 16 may switch to the operation guide screenof a type corresponding to the predetermined direction indicated by thereceived gesture input and change the type of setting to be adjusted byoperating dial switch 12.

Specifically, when the input is performed to trace first touch sensor 11with two fingers in a forward direction, as shown in FIG. 7, controller16 causes display 31 to display first operation guide screen 231. Also,when the input is performed to trace first touch sensor 11 with twofingers in a rightward direction, as shown in FIG. 8, controller 16causes display 31 to display second operation guide screen 232. Also,when the input is performed to trace first touch sensor 11 with twofingers in a rearward direction, as shown in FIG. 9, controller 16causes display 31 to display third operation guide screen 233. Also,when the input is performed to trace first touch sensor 11 with twofingers in a leftward direction, as shown in FIG. 11, controller 16causes display 31 to display fourth operation guide screen 234.

As shown in FIG. 7, first operation guide screen 231 is an operationguide screen for adjusting the heating and cooling temperature settingof the air conditioner that performs heating, cooling, and ventilationof automobile 1.

When the user turns dial switch 12 in a leftward direction while firstoperation guide screen 231 is displayed on display 31, controller 16decreases the heating and cooling temperature setting, for example, by0.5 degrees every time dial switch 12 is rotated by a predeterminedangle. Conversely, when the user turns dial switch 12 in a rightwarddirection, controller 16 increases the heating and cooling temperaturesetting, for example, by 0.5 degrees every time dial switch 12 isrotated by a predetermined angle. That is, controller 16 adjusts theheating and cooling temperature setting according to a rotationdirection and rotation angle of a rotation input into dial switch 12.

As shown in FIG. 8, second operation guide screen 232 is an operationguide screen for selecting a song title of the music player.

When the user turns dial switch 12 in a leftward direction while secondoperation guide screen 232 is displayed on display 31, every time dialswitch 12 is rotated by a predetermined angle, controller 16sequentially selects a song title before the currently played back titlefrom among a plurality of listed titles. Conversely, when the user turnsdial switch 12 in a rightward direction, every time dial switch 12 isrotated by a predetermined angle, controller 16 sequentially selects asong title next to the currently played back title from among theplurality of listed titles. That is, controller 16 adjusts the songtitle selection according to the rotation direction and rotation angleof the rotation input into dial switch 12.

As shown in FIG. 9, third operation guide screen 233 is an operationguide screen for setting going home in the car navigation.

When the user turns dial switch 12 in a leftward direction while thirdoperation guide screen 233 is displayed on display 31, controller 16sets a home address of the user as a car navigation destination.Thereafter, controller 16 causes display 31 to display status screen 233a shown in FIG. 10, causes status screen 233 a to fade out after acertain time elapses, and causes display 31 to display operation screen230. Conversely, when the user turns dial switch 12 in a rightwarddirection, controller 16 causes third operation guide screen 233 to fadeout, and causes display 31 to display operation screen 230.

As shown in FIG. 11, fourth operation guide screen 234 is an operationguide screen for adjusting the air volume setting of the air conditionerof automobile 1.

When the user turns dial switch 12 in a leftward direction while fourthoperation guide screen 234 is displayed on display 31, every time dialswitch 12 is rotated by a predetermined angle, controller 16 decreasesthe air volume of the air conditioner, for example, by one scale.Conversely, when the user turns dial switch 12 in a rightward direction,every time dial switch 12 is rotated by a predetermined angle,controller 16 increases the air volume of the air conditioner, forexample, by one scale. That is, controller 16 adjusts the air volumesetting of the air conditioner according to the rotation direction androtation angle of the rotation input into dial switch 12.

Next, processing of controller 16 when the gesture input is performedinto first touch sensor 11 with the second count (three in the presentexemplary embodiment) of fingers different from the first count will bedescribed.

When the count of fingers of the gesture input that is input into firsttouch sensor 11 is the second count (for example, three) different fromthe first count, controller 16 may cause display 31 to display, as thesecond display screen, an operation screen for receiving an operation tovehicle-mounted device 30 by the user. Controller 16 receives an inputtracing first touch sensor 11 in a predetermined direction or in theopposite direction out of the gesture input with the second count of(for example, three) fingers. Then, when the received gesture input isthe predetermined direction, controller 16 may switch the plurality oftypes of operation screens in preset order. Alternatively, when thereceived gesture input is the opposite direction of the predetermineddirection, controller 16 may switch the plurality of types of operationscreens in opposite order of the preset order.

Specific examples of the gesture input with three fingers and theoperation screen that is switched when the gesture input is performedwill be described with reference to FIGS. 4, 12, and 13. FIG. 12 is aview showing an example of the operation screen for operating the musicplayer. FIG. 13 is a view showing an example of the operation screen foroperating the air conditioner.

In a state of FIG. 4, when gesture 221 with three fingers in thepredetermined direction (forward direction) is input into first touchsensor 11, controller 16 moves focus display 226 to icon 223 disposed onan upper direction side corresponding to the predetermined direction ofcurrently focused icon 224, and controller 16 causes display 31 todisplay operation screen 230H (see FIG. 12) corresponding to icon 223 towhich focus display 226 has moved. Alternatively, in the state of FIG.4, when gesture 222 with three fingers in the opposite direction of thepredetermined direction (rearward direction) is input into first touchsensor 11, controller 16 moves focus display 226 to icon 225 disposed ona lower direction side corresponding to the opposite direction ofcurrently focused icon 224, and controller 16 causes display 31 todisplay operation screen 230I (see FIG. 13) corresponding to icon 225 towhich focus display 226 has moved.

In the above case, by causing display 31 to display next operationscreen 230H or operation screen 230I instead of operation screen 230displayed in the third region of display 31, controller 16 performsswitching processing to switch from display screen 200 displayed ondisplay 31 to display screen 200H or 200I and to cause display 31 todisplay screen 200H or 200I. Note that when gesture 221 with threefingers in a direction from another icon toward icon 224 is input intofirst touch sensor 11, controller 16 moves focus display 226 from thecurrently focused icon to icon 224 disposed on a direction sidecorresponding to the input direction, and controller 16 causes display31 to display operation screen 230 (see FIG. 4) corresponding to icon224.

Operation screen 230 is an operation screen for operating the carnavigation as shown in FIG. 4. When the user performs a gesture oftracing first touch sensor 11 with one finger while operation screen 230is displayed in third region R3 of display 31, controller 16 selectsthird region R3 corresponding to the count of fingers being one fromamong three regions, first region R1 to third region R3, and forexample, controller 16 scrolls and displays a map displayed on display31 in a direction of the gesture that is input by the user.

Operation screen 230H is an operation screen for operating the musicplayer as shown in FIG. 12. When the user performs a gesture of tracingfirst touch sensor 11 with one finger in a left-right direction whileoperation screen 230H is displayed in third region R3 of display 31,controller 16 selects third region R3 corresponding to the count offingers being one from among three regions, first region R1 to thirdregion R3, and for example, controller 16 performs switching in albumunits or play list units in which a plurality of titles is a set.

Operation screen 230J is an operation screen for operating the airconditioner as shown in FIG. 13. When the user turns dial switch 12while operation screen 230I is displayed on display 31, controller 16focuses, for example, one of the plurality of icons on operation screen230I according to the rotation direction and the rotation angle, andperforms display that enables selection of the focused icon.

In addition, when a predetermined input for causing display 31 todisplay home screen 230J is performed into first input unit 10,controller 16 may cause display 31 to display screen 200J including homescreen 230J as shown in FIG. 14. When the user turns dial switch 12while home screen 230J is displayed on display 31, controller 16 mayswitch to each of operation screens 230, 230H, 230I assigned to eachicon indicated by 1 to 6 on home screen 230J, such as “music player”,“air conditioner”, and “car navigation.”

Note that controller 16 may be implemented by, for example, a processorthat executes a predetermined program and a memory that stores thepredetermined program, or may be implemented by a dedicated circuit.Controller 16 may be implemented by, for example, an electronic controlunit (ECU).

[1-3. Operation]

Next, an operation of input device 100 will be described with referenceto FIGS. 15 to 20.

First, the active processing will be described with reference to FIGS.15 and 16.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the active processing in the input deviceaccording to the exemplary embodiment. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showinghighlight processing in the input device according to the exemplaryembodiment.

Controller 16 determines whether first touch sensor 11 is touched with aplurality of fingers (S11).

On determination that first touch sensor 11 is touched with theplurality of fingers (Yes in S11), controller 16 selects first region R1or second region R2 corresponding to the count of fingers, and performsthe highlight processing of first gesture guide 210 or second gestureguide 220 (S12).

On determination that first touch sensor 11 is not touched with theplurality of fingers (No in S11), controller 16 repeats step S11. Thatis, controller 16 waits until first touch sensor 11 is touched with theplurality of fingers. Note that processing of selecting third region R3based on the touch with one finger is executed by a flowchart (notshown) different from the flowchart of FIG. 15.

Next, controller 16 determines the gesture input performed with thefingers touching first touch sensor 11 (S13). Then, controller 16determines whether the count of fingers touching first touch sensor 11has changed (S14).

On determination that the count of fingers touching first touch sensor11 has changed (Yes in S14), controller 16 determines whether firsttouch sensor 11 is touched with the plurality of fingers (S15). On theother hand, on determination that the count of fingers touching firsttouch sensor 11 has not changed (No in S14), controller 16 returns tostep S13 and repeats the processing in and after step S13. That is,controller 16 repeats the determination of gesture input until the countof fingers touching first touch sensor 11 changes.

On determination that first touch sensor 11 is not touched with theplurality of fingers (No in S15), controller 16 ends the gesture guidehighlighted in step S12 (S16) and returns the highlight to an originalstate.

On determination that first touch sensor 11 is touched with theplurality of fingers (Yes in S15), controller 16 returns to step S12.

Here, details of the highlight processing of step S12 will be describedwith reference to FIG. 16.

Controller 16 determines whether the count of fingers touching firsttouch sensor 11 is two or three (S21).

On determination that the count of fingers touching first touch sensor11 is two (two in S21), controller 16 causes display 31 to display firstgesture guide 210A highlighted as shown in FIG. 5 (S22).

On the other hand, on determination that the count of fingers touchingfirst touch sensor 11 is three (three in S21), controller 16 causesdisplay 31 to display second gesture guide 220B highlighted as shown inFIG. 6 (S23).

Next, gesture input determination processing and the switchingprocessing will be described.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the gesture input determinationprocessing in the input device according to the exemplary embodiment.

Controller 16 determines whether the gesture input with a plurality offingers has been performed into first touch sensor 11 (S31).

On determination that the gesture input with the plurality of fingershas been performed into first touch sensor 11 (Yes in S31), controller16 performs the switching processing to switch from the first displayscreen displayed on display 31 and to cause display 31 to display thesecond display screen different from the first display screen (S32).

On determination that the gesture input with the plurality of fingers isnot performed into first touch sensor 11 (No in S31), controller 16 endsthe gesture input determination processing.

Here, details of the switching processing in step S32 will be describedwith reference to FIG. 18.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the switching processing in the inputdevice according to the exemplary embodiment.

Controller 16 determines whether the count of fingers of the gestureinput into first touch sensor 11 is two or three (S41).

On determination that the count of fingers of the gesture input is two(two in S41), controller 16 performs processing to switch to one offirst operation guide screen 231 to fourth operation guide screen 234(S42).

On determination that the count of fingers of the gesture input is three(three in S41), controller 16 performs processing to switch to theoperation screen (S43).

Next, details of the processing to switch to the operation guide screenin step S42 will be described with reference to FIG. 19.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing details of the processing to switch tothe operation guide screen in the input device according to theexemplary embodiment.

Controller 16 determines the direction of the gesture of the gestureinput (S51).

On determination that the direction of the gesture of the gesture inputis a forward direction, controller 16 causes display 31 to display firstoperation guide screen 231 shown in FIG. 7 (S52), and controller 16 setsthe function of dial switch 12 to a function for adjusting the heatingand cooling temperature setting shown in first operation guide screen231 (S53).

On determination that the direction of the gesture of the gesture inputis a rightward direction, controller 16 causes display 31 to displaysecond operation guide screen 232 shown in FIG. 8 (S54), and controller16 sets the function of dial switch 12 to a function for adjustingselection of a song title of the music player shown in second operationguide screen 232 (S55).

On determination that the direction of the gesture of the gesture inputis a rearward direction, controller 16 causes display 31 to displaythird operation guide screen 233 shown in FIG. 9 (S56), and controller16 sets the function of dial switch 12 to a function for setting goinghome in the car navigation shown in third operation guide screen 233(S57).

On determination that the direction of the gesture of the gesture inputis a leftward direction, controller 16 causes display 31 to displayfourth operation guide screen 234 shown in FIG. 11 (S58), and controller16 sets the function of dial switch 12 to a function for adjusting theair volume setting of the air conditioner shown in fourth operationguide screen 234 (S59).

Next, details of the processing to switch to the operation screen ofstep S43 will be described with reference to FIG. 20.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing details of the processing to switch tothe operation screen in the input device according to the exemplaryembodiment.

Controller 16 determines whether the direction of the gesture of thegesture input is a forward direction or a rearward direction (S61).

On determination that the direction of the gesture of the gesture inputis a rearward direction (rearward direction in S61), controller 16causes display 31 to display the next operation screen of the currentlydisplayed operation screen in predetermined order of the plurality ofoperation screens (that is, order indicated by arrangement of icons 223to 225) (S62). For example, when operation screen 230 shown in FIG. 4 isdisplayed, controller 16 causes display 31 to display next operationscreen 230I of operation screen 230 (FIG. 13).

On determination that the direction of the gesture of the gesture inputis a forward direction (forward direction in S61), controller 16 causesdisplay 31 to display the prior operation screen of the currentlydisplayed operation screen in predetermined order of the plurality ofoperation screens (S63). For example, when operation screen 230 shown inFIG. 4 is displayed, controller 16 causes display 31 to display prioroperation screen 230H of operation screen 230 (FIG. 12).

[1-4. Effects and the Like]

Input device 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment is inputdevice 100 that performs input for operating the user interface (UI) tobe displayed on display 31 disposed in automobile 1, and includes firsttouch sensor 11 and controller 16. First touch sensor 11 receives atouch input by the user. When the touch input into first touch sensor 11is a touch with a plurality of fingers, controller 16 selects a regioncorresponding to the count of fingers from among the plurality ofregions displayed on display 31. That is, since controller 16 selectsthe region corresponding to the count of fingers from among theplurality of regions constituting the display region of display 31,first region R1 to third region R3, controller 16 can accurately selectthe intended region without being conscious of positions of the fingerswith respect to first touch sensor 11 while the user is driving.

Also, in input device 100, when the touch input into first touch sensor11 is a gesture input with a plurality of fingers, controller 16performs the switching processing to switch from the first displayscreen displayed on display 31 and to cause display 31 to display thesecond display screen different from the first display screen. That is,controller 16, which performs the switching processing by the gestureinput using the plurality of fingers, can inhibit recognition of anunintended input.

Also, in input device 100, when the touch input that is input into firsttouch sensor 11 is a touch with a plurality of fingers, controller 16causes display 31 to highlight first gesture guide 210 or second gestureguide 220 including a plurality of types of gestures 211 to 214, 221,222, and icons 215 to 218, 223 to 225 respectively associated with theplurality of types of gestures 211 to 214, 221, 222. Icons 215 to 218,223 to 225 are icons indicating the types of screen to be displayed nextas the second display screen when the input of the corresponding type ofgesture is performed.

This makes it possible to indicate to the user that first gesture guide210 or second gesture guide 220 is active, and to allow the user torecognize the screen to be displayed on display 31 by the gesture toinput thereafter before the screen is displayed. This allows the user toappropriately select the gesture input for displaying a desired screen,and to easily display the desired screen.

Also, in input device 100, the touch sensor includes first touch sensor11 that is disposed at a position within a range where the user's handalmost reaches while the user aboard automobile 1 is seated on seat 60of automobile 1, the position excluding steering wheel 50 of automobile1. When the touch input into first touch sensor 11 is the gesture input,controller 16 performs the switching processing. This allows the user toeasily perform the gesture input into first touch sensor 11.

Also, in input device 100, when the count of fingers of the gestureinput that is input into first touch sensor 11 is the first count (forexample, two), controller 16 causes display 31 to display firstoperation guide screen 231 to fourth operation guide screen 234indicating the operation for adjusting the setting to vehicle-mounteddevice 30 included in automobile 1 as the second display screen. Thismakes it possible to cause display 31 to easily display first operationguide screen 231 to fourth operation guide screen 234.

In addition, input device 100 further includes dial switch 12 that isdisposed adjacent to first touch sensor 11 and receives the dial input.Controller 16 causes display 31 to display, as first operation guidescreen 231 to fourth operation guide screen 234, the screen indicatingthe setting to vehicle-mounted device 30 adjusted by operating dialswitch 12. This makes it possible to cause display 31 to easily displayfirst operation guide screen 231 to fourth operation guide screen 234for dial switch 12.

Also, in input device 100, controller 16 switches between firstoperation guide screen 231 to fourth operation guide screen 234 of thetype corresponding to the type of gesture of the gesture input that isinput into first touch sensor 11, and switches the type of setting to beadjusted by operating dial switch 12. This makes it possible to easilyswitch the function of dial switch 12.

Also, in input device 100, when controller 16 receives the gesture inputtracing first touch sensor 11 with the first count of (for example, two)fingers in the predetermined direction, controller 16 switches betweenfirst operation guide screen 231 to fourth operation guide screen 234 ofthe type corresponding to the predetermined direction indicated by thegesture input, and switches the type of setting to be adjusted byoperating dial switch 12. This makes it possible to cause display 31 toeasily display the desired operation guide screen among the plurality ofoperation guide screens, first operation guide screen 231 to fourthoperation guide screen 234.

Also, in input device 100, when the count of fingers of the gestureinput that is input into first touch sensor 11 is the second count (forexample, three) different from the first count (for example, two),controller 16 causes display 31 to display, as the second displayscreen, operation screen 230, 230H, 230I for receiving the operation tothe vehicle-mounted device by the user. This allows display 31 to easilydisplay operation screen 230, 230H, 230I.

Also, in input device 100, when controller 16 receives the input tracingfirst touch sensor 11 in the predetermined direction or in the oppositedirection out of the gesture input with the second count of (forexample, three) fingers and the received gesture input is thepredetermined direction, controller 16 switches the plurality of typesof operation screens 230, 230H, 230I in preset order. Alternatively,when the received gesture input is the opposite direction, controller 16switches the plurality of types of operation screens 230, 230H, 230I inorder opposite to the order. This makes it possible to cause display 31to easily display the desired operation screen among the plurality ofoperation screens 230, 230H, 230I.

[1-5. Modification]

In the above exemplary embodiment, first touch sensor 11 disposed at aposition excluding steering wheel 50 of automobile 1 is used as thetouch sensor. However, the present invention is not limited to thisexemplary embodiment. For example, as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, inputdevice 100A including second input unit 20 including second touch sensor21 disposed in steering wheel 50 of automobile 1A may be employed.

FIG. 21 is a view showing an example of a configuration of an inputdevice and a cabin of a vehicle in which the input device is disposedaccording to a modification. FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing anexample of a functional configuration of the input device mounted in anautomobile according to the modification.

Input device 100A according to the modification differs from inputdevice 100 of the exemplary embodiment only in the configuration ofsecond input unit 20 and the function of controller 16A. Therefore,descriptions of second input unit 20 will be performed, and descriptionsof other configurations will be omitted.

Second input unit 20 is disposed in steering wheel 50. Second input unit20 is a switch including second touch sensor 21. Second input unit 20 isdisposed, for example, in spoke 52 of steering wheel 50.

A driver can operate vehicle-mounted device 30 by performing input intosecond input unit 20 with a right hand finger grasping rim 51 ofsteering wheel 50.

Second touch sensor 21 is a sensor that detects a position touched bypart of a user's body (for example, a finger). When the input intosecond touch sensor 21 is performed, an input signal indicating theinput is output to controller 16A.

When the touch input into second touch sensor 21 is a plurality of taps,controller 16A selects a region corresponding to the count of taps fromamong the plurality of regions constituting the display region ofdisplay 31, first region R1 to third region R3. Alternatively, when thetouch input into second touch sensor 21 is the second gesture inputafter the plurality of taps, controller 16A performs switchingprocessing to switch from the first display screen displayed on display31 and to cause display 31 to display the second display screendifferent from the first display screen. Details of the selectionprocessing and switching processing of the display region are similar toprocessing of the exemplary embodiment, and thus the description will beomitted.

When the touch input that is input into second touch sensor 21 is theplurality of taps, controller 16A may cause display 31 to highlight thegesture guide. For example, when the touch input that is input intosecond touch sensor 21 is two taps, controller 16A may cause display 31to highlight the gesture guide indicating the gestures in fourdirections, like first gesture guide 210. Alternatively, for example,when the touch input that is input into second touch sensor 21 is threetaps, controller 16A may cause display 31 to highlight the gesture guideindicating the gestures in two directions, like second gesture guide220.

That is, for second touch sensor 21 disposed in steering wheel 50,instead of the touch input with a plurality of fingers, controller 16Areceives a plurality of tap inputs as an input for display regionselection processing. In this way, since the touch sensor disposed at aposition where the touch input with a plurality of fingers is difficultrecognizes a plurality of tap inputs as an input for the display regionselection processing, the touch sensor allows accurate selection of theintended region. This makes it possible to inhibit recognition of anunintended input.

Note that the display screen accompanying the touch input into secondtouch sensor 21 is not limited to the configuration displayed on display31, but may be displayed, for example, on a display provided in a meter.In this case, a result of operating second touch sensor 21 while thedriver is driving can be visually recognized with minimum eye movement.Alternatively, a result of operating first touch sensor 11 may bedisplayed on the display in the meter.

In addition, the configuration shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 includes bothfirst input unit 10 and second input unit 20, but the configuration mayinclude only second input unit 20.

[1-6. Other Exemplary Embodiments]

According to the above-described exemplary embodiment and modification,the configurations of input devices 100, 100A do not include display 31,but the configurations may include display 31.

Types of the gesture in the above-described exemplary embodiment may benot only a one-way gesture but also an L shape, reciprocation, a circle,a character, or the like.

Note that in each of the above exemplary embodiments, each constituentelement may be implemented by dedicated hardware or by execution ofsoftware programs suitable for each constituent element. Eachconstituent element may be implemented in such a manner that a programexecution section such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a processorreads and executes software programs recorded in a recording medium suchas a hard disk or a semiconductor memory. Here, the software thatimplements the input device and the like of each exemplary embodiment isthe following program.

That is, this program is an input method by the input device thatperforms input for operating the user interface (UI) displayed by thedisplay disposed in the vehicle. The program determines whether thetouch input by the user into the touch sensor provided in the inputdevice is a touch with a plurality of fingers or a plurality of taps. Ondetermination that the touch input is a touch with the plurality offingers or the plurality of taps, the program executes the input methodof selecting the region corresponding to the count of fingers or thecount of taps from among the plurality of regions constituting thedisplay region of the display.

As described above, the input device and the input method according toone or more aspects of the present invention have been described basedon the exemplary embodiment; however, the present invention is notlimited to the exemplary embodiment. Configurations in which variousmodifications conceived by those skilled in the art are applied to thepresent exemplary embodiment, and configurations established bycombining constituent elements in different exemplary embodiments mayalso fall within the scope of one or more aspects of the presentinvention, without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention is useful as the input device that can inhibitrecognition of the unintended input into the UI displayed on the displayeven when the user is doing other work.

REFERENCE MARKS IN THE DRAWINGS

1,1A: automobile

10: first input unit

11: first touch sensor

12: dial switch

13: determination switch

14: palm rest

15 a: first switch

15 b: second switch

15 c: third switch

16, 16A: controller

20: second input unit

21: second touch sensor

30: vehicle-mounted device

31: display

32: speaker

40: shift lever

50: steering wheel

51: rim

52: spoke

53: horn switch cover

60: seat

100, 100A: input device

200, 200A to 200J: display screen

210, 210A: first gesture guide

211, 212, 213, 214: gesture

215 to 218: icon

219: frame

220, 220B: second gesture guide

221, 222: gesture

223 to 225: icon

226: focus display

227: frame

230, 230H, 230I: operation screen

230J: home screen

231: first operation guide screen

232: second operation guide screen

233: third operation guide screen

233 a: status screen

234: fourth operation guide screen

R1: first region

R2: second region

R3: third region

The invention claimed is:
 1. An input device for a vehicle, the inputdevice performing input for operating a user interface (UI) displayed bya display disposed in the vehicle, the input device comprising: a touchsensor that receives a touch input performed with at least one offingers of a user; a controller selects, when the touch input into thetouch sensor is a touch in which at least two of the fingers is incontact with the touch sensor simultaneously, a region corresponding toa count of the contacts of the touch from a plurality of regionsconstituting a display region of the display, the controller selecting,when the touch input into the touch sensor is a tap in which at leastone of the fingers repeats a contact with the touch sensor within apredetermined time, a region corresponding to a count of the contacts ofthe tap from the plurality of regions constituting the display region ofthe display, the touch sensor includes the first touch sensor, the firsttouch sensor being disposed at a position within a range where a hand ofthe user almost reaches while the user aboard the vehicle is seated on aseat of the vehicle, the position excluding a steering wheel of thevehicle; and a dial switch that is disposed adjacent to a first touchsensor and receives dial input, wherein when the touch input into thetouch sensor is a first gesture input by one of the touch and a secondgesture input after the tap, the controller performs switchingprocessing to switch from a first display screen displayed by thedisplay to a second display screen different from the first displayscreen and to cause the display to perform display, when the count ofcontacts of the touch of the first gesture input that is input into thefirst touch sensor is the count of contacts of a first touch, thecontroller causes the display to display as the second display screen anoperation guide screen indicating an operation for adjusting a settingto a vehicle-mounted device included in the vehicle when the dial switchis operated, and the controller switches a type of the operationindicated on the operation guide screen according to a type of thegesture of the first gesture input that is input into the first touchsensor, and the controller switches a type of the setting adjusted byoperating the dial switch.
 2. The input device for the vehicle accordingto claim 1, wherein when the touch input that is input into the touchsensor is the touch or the tap, after the touch input is performed, thecontroller displays a gesture guide associating a type of gesture thatis input into the touch sensor with an icon indicating a screen to bedisplayed according to the type of gesture in the selected region of thedisplay.
 3. The input device for the vehicle according to claim 1,wherein the controller receives an input tracing the touch sensor in apredetermined direction out of the first gesture input by the touch ofthe count of contacts of the first touch, and according to thepredetermined direction indicated by the received first gesture input,the controller switches the type of the operation indicated on theoperation guide screen, and switches the type of the setting adjusted byoperating the dial switch.
 4. An input device for a vehicle forperforming input for operating a user interface (UI) displayed by adisplay disposed in the vehicle, the input device comprising: a touchsensor that receives a touch input performed with a finger of a user;and a controller that selects, when the touch input into the touchsensor is a touch in which a plurality of the fingers is in contact withthe touch sensor simultaneously, a region corresponding to a count ofcontacts of the touch from among a plurality of regions constituting adisplay region of the display, the controller selecting, when a tap inwhich at least one finger repeats a plurality of contacts with the touchsensor within a predetermined time, a region corresponding to a count ofcontacts of the tap from among a plurality of regions constituting adisplay region of the display, wherein the touch sensor includes a firsttouch sensor that is disposed at a position within a range where a handof the user almost reaches while the user aboard the vehicle is seatedon a seat of the vehicle, the position excluding a steering wheel of thevehicle, when the touch input into the touch sensor is a first gestureinput by the touch or a second gesture input after the tap, thecontroller performs switching processing to switch from a first displayscreen displayed by the display to a second display screen differentfrom the first display screen and to cause the display to performdisplay, when the count of contacts of the touch of the first gestureinput that is input into the first touch sensor is the count of contactsof a first touch, the controller causes the display to display as thesecond display screen an operation guide screen indicating an operationfor adjusting a setting to a vehicle-mounted device included in thevehicle, when the count of contacts of the touch of the first gestureinput that is input into the first touch sensor is a count of contactsof a second touch different from the count of contacts of the firsttouch, the controller causes the display to display an operation screenfor receiving the operation by the user to the vehicle-mounted device asthe second display screen, the controller receives an input tracing thetouch sensor in the predetermined direction or in an opposite directionof the predetermined direction, out of the first gesture input by thetouch of the count of contacts of the second touch, when the receivedfirst gesture input is the predetermined direction, the controllerswitches a plurality of types of the operation screen in preset order,and when the received first gesture input is the opposite direction, thecontroller switches the plurality of types of the operation screen inorder opposite to the order.
 5. The input device for the vehicleaccording to claim 1, wherein the touch sensor includes a second touchsensor disposed in the steering wheel of the vehicle, and when the touchinput into the second touch sensor is the second gesture input, thecontroller performs the switching processing.
 6. The input device forthe vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising the display.
 7. Theinput device for the vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising aguide that is disposed adjacent to the touch sensor and determines aposition of the finger.
 8. An input method by an input device for avehicle that performs input for operating a user interface (UI)displayed by a display disposed in the vehicle, the input deviceincluding a dial switch that is disposed adjacent to a first touchsensor and receives dial input, a touch sensor included in the inputdevice including the first touch sensor that is disposed at a positionwithin a range where a hand of a user almost reaches while the useraboard the vehicle is seated on a seat of the vehicle, the positionexcluding a steering wheel of the vehicle, the input method comprising:determining whether a touch input with a finger of the user into thetouch sensor is a touch in which at least two of the fingerssimultaneously makes contact with the touch sensor, selects a regioncorresponding to a count of the contacts of the touch, from among aplurality of regions constituting a display region of the display, ordetermining whether the touch input is a tap in which at least one offingers repeats a contact with the touch sensor within a predeterminedtime, selects a region corresponding to a count of the contacts of thetap, from among a plurality of regions constituting a display region ofthe display; determining whether the touch input is a first gestureinput by the touch or a second gesture input after the tap; as theresult of determining the touch input is the first gesture input or thesecond gesture input, performing switching processing to switch from afirst display screen displayed by the display to a second display screendifferent from the first display screen to cause the display to performdisplay; determining whether the count of contacts of the touch of thefirst gesture input that is input into the first touch sensor is thecount of contacts of a first touch; as the result of determining thecount of contacts of the touch is the count of contacts of the firsttouch, the dial switch is being operated, causing the display to displayan operation guide screen, as the second display screen, indicating anoperation for adjusting a setting to a vehicle-mounted device includedin the vehicle; determining a type of gesture of the first gesture inputthat is input into the first touch sensor; and switching a type of theoperation indicated on the operation guide screen according to the typeof gesture, and switching a type of the setting adjusted by operatingthe dial switch.
 9. The input device for the vehicle according to claim4, wherein when the touch input that is input into the touch sensor isthe touch or the tap, after the touch input is performed, the controllerdisplays a gesture guide associating a type of gesture that is inputinto the touch sensor with an icon indicating a screen to be displayedaccording to the type of gesture in the selected region of the display.10. The input device for the vehicle according claim 4, wherein thetouch sensor includes a second touch sensor disposed in the steeringwheel of the vehicle, and when the touch input into the second touchsensor is the second gesture input, the controller performs theswitching processing.
 11. The input device for the vehicle according toclaim 4, further comprising the display.
 12. The input device for thevehicle according to claim 4, further comprising a guide that isdisposed adjacent to the touch sensor and determines a position of thefinger.